Do you love exclusive offerings? Wine no one else can get? I’m sitting down with Raymond Vineyards, Bill Farmer to get more insight on what this means. Farmer has been there from the beginning of the Boisset reign of Raymond Vineyards. This luscious property is distinctive both in wine and experiences.
Named after the family that founded Raymond Vineyards, their history began in 1933. This is the year the family moved to Napa Valley. Roy Raymond would begin his winemaking career with Beringer and stay for 37 years! Shortly after they became related to the Beringer family by marriage. Their farming and winemaking interests grew over the years leading up to 1970. This was the year they would go “all in”. The family purchased 90 acres of Rutherford property. The release of the first vintage would be in 1974.
Raymond Vineyards would get the attention of Jean-Charles Boisset. Acquiring the property in 2009, Boisset took the winery to the next level. First with an expansion of vineyards. Now 300 acres strong. Adding Napa veteran winemaker Stephanie Putnam to oversee winemaking. With the guidance of Vineyard Manager, Sophie Drucker, the estate vineyards are now biodynamic and organic Today the winery is enjoying a renaissance of sorts as it continues to make some of the very best small lot red wine in the valley.
Here the wines are only available for sale at the winery. Some lots as small as 150 cases. In order to be part of this limited offer, you must visit the winery. You’ll want to because of the very exquisite lounging and tasting you can do here. Grab a few friends, a few bottles and sit back and relax.
With a wide array of tasting experiences, you are sure to make even the fussiest travel guest happy. Are elegance and beauty your thing? Here it exists in each of their tasting rooms and experiences.
A lush, opulent lounge known as the “Red Room” is where you can enjoy your wine on-site. You’ll want to make a reservation so you can enjoy your very own bottle service in this exquisite room.
You can taste in the Crystal Room to get a more in-depth experience of tasting the finest wine at Raymond. Either standing at the wine bar, or for groups, booking a larger space for sit down service. In the Barrel Tasting Cellars, your very own comparative wine tasting experience. You can sip and compare unreleased vintages with earlier vintages.
Unique experiences? Raymond Vineyards has it! Taste a library of 40 years of wines. Make your own blend, take the bottle home and they will make your own blend for you by the case. These are one of a kind adventures sure to entice the most reluctant wine taster.
So many options. Contact Wine Paths Travel for more information.
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
BBQ, Celebration, Wine, and Convenience are all necessary components of entertaining. But how do you make it even better?
Where to Stay: Napa Valley’s Meadowood Meadowood. Blissful Spa Experiences, Sublime Dining and Luxury. UPDATE: Meadowood sadly was impacted by the fires in Napa Valley
Chateau Bellefont-Belcier
Today Chinese investment has a major stake in Bordeaux St. Emilion appellation. With over 160 estates in the region owned by Chinese. Peter Kwok (head of CITIC and based in Hong Kong) is part of this influx of Chinese investors having made investments in 8 estates in the past 24 years. Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is the crown jewel, marking a prized piece of French wine heritage.
Founded by Count Belcier in the late 18th century, from a powerful Bordeaux family, the estate has all the trappings of a Grand Cru destination. Well-heeled neighbors and an indisputable pedigree in history. The vineyards are surrounded with epic neighbors including Château Pavie, Château Larcis-Ducasse and Château Tertre Roteboeuf. The south facing hillside where their grapes are grown consists of a limestone plateau, clay and limestone slopes and plots located at the foot of the hill.
For the purposes of this post I tasted three vintages by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier. Two under the previous owner prior to Kwock, and the 2018 under the management and ownership of Peter Kwock.
The 2016 was a solid presentation. 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 80% new barrels. Bright and bold black cherry, floral notes intertwined with anise and forest floor. Lovely expression.
For the 2017, sadly there was TCA in this. It doesn’t say anything about the vintage. I wasn’t able to taste.
The 2018 was the absolute hero of this vertical. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It sets the precedent for Peter Kwock’s vintages and what to expect in the future. The nose is swoon worthy. Decadent floral notes, roses, violets and spice, along with concentrated black fruit compote of blackberry and plum. The tannins are there, but as part of the ensemble adding the distinct aspect of unmistakable elegance and polish. Age worthy, delicious to enjoy now and what a treat. Bravo~!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
Learn more: vignoblesk.com
2020 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé
Well crafted Rosé, with thought, intent and expertise behind it creates a medley of sensations with memorable taste as its hallmark. This effort executed by the sensational winemaking team at Stoller Estate, led by 17 year vet, winemaker & VP of winemaking, Melissa Burr.
The Stoller Estate is one of the first Oregon wineries I had the pleasure of visiting. To this day, that experience leads when I think of Oregonian wine. The vineyards located are the largest adjacent single plot of 225 acres under vine. These cool climate experts have 108 sections with 10 different varieties planted with 158 acres of Pinot Noir.
It makes sense that this beautiful bottle of Rosé is part of that very block of Pinot Noir. Whole cluster ferment in steel tanks lends a compelling dimension to this fragrant example of well made Rosé. Discover the elegant aromatics of a field of warm strawberries and nectarine. Memorable notes of the juice of luscious watermelon, and the crispness of citrus with a satisfyingly long finish.
Pairings…. This wine compliments everything. I had it with margarita pizza… But it tastes great alone and with almost everything you can put in front of it. Decadently versatile!
$28
At Stollerwine.com
#Sample #TheWineSiren #NapaValley
Provence…. For all of its delights, AIX-en-Provence is a destination to be tasted. Both visually and spiritually. Quiet, peaceful. A simple tranquility penetrating your soul. Like the Mistral, once in your memory, on your lips, the essence of Provence never leaves you. It’s languid state always a backdrop for thoughts of AIX .
~ The Wine Siren
The floral scents of this rose are a pristine expression of Provence Rose. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault with the aromatics of florals, red berries, highlights the distinct freshness & minerality. The power of passion behind it, the beauty and elegance behind it make it a pleasure to sip, share and enjoy.
Grown at one of the highest elevations in the AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, 420 meters above the sea at Mason Saint AIX. The color is distinct. This salmon hued beauty is always a treat year round.
For me, this wine is part of my summer. But it is also a part of my life. Low alcohol, easy sipping, perfect for entertaining, as an aperitif and enjoying with friends. It makes every enjoyable experience that much better. Do you AIX?
#TheWineSiren #Ad
When your breathless with excitement over summer fun, step up your wine game with a high quality luscious example of Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley.
@sonomacutrer got off the ground in 1973 when visionary wine producer Brice Cutrer Jones, a decorated Vietnam combat fighter pilot determined he could successfully grow Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley.
Today, Mick Roeter carries the torch as Director of Winemaking.
On my lips. This expressive and voluptuous Award Winning Rosé of Pinot Noir. Not one you would dare toss an ice cube in but rather savor ever drop warm or cold. Fresh and vibrant, mouthwatering strawberry, succulent blood orange, zesty lemon all together with a long and bright finish.
Your summer is absolutely not complete with several bottles of this chilled and within reach.
After all. You deserve top Rosé don’t you?
#Sample #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Eat Italian!
I loved getting back to a #NapaValley favorite. The delightful @dongiovanni_ristorante . Which I highly recommend. It’s divine to sit out under the umbrellas and next to the vineyards.
#2 perfect prepared halibut which is in season right now and not always on the menu. Pan seared to perfection and served with lightly sautéed greens.
Other dishes that are must tastes:
Mandili paper thin Handkerchief pasta tossed with Genoese basil (the real deal).
The octopus and arugula salad!
The lemon cream ravioli with bellwether ricotta. Breathtaking!
Best possible pairing with the halibut
#3 And the stage of the grapes in Napa Valley this week. Green jewels!
#4 the ever delicious @umanironchi Abruzzo VELLODORO
Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGT 100% Pecorino. Enchanting floral notes, citrus, honeysuckle perfect touch of sapidity. $16 worth every luscious penny!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Super excited to delve into seven sips of Tuscany. But before I do I’d love to learn more about your favorite Tuscan experiences.
Whether it’s wine, destination, an experience, town or memory.
My favorite Tuscan experience was my glorious stay at @castellobanfi_wineresort .
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
#Wine
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2 Responses
The exclusivity they generate is fantastic. I’m not sure if it’s marketing but it really makes the place more interesting. I work in hospitality, so I’ve visited many vineyards personally and through work, but none like this. The opportunity to have your own blend to take home and get sent to you by the case is genius.
So true John! Those small lot once in a lifetime vintages are truly intriguing. And who doesn’t want to blend wine precisely to their taste?!
JC is genius.
Warmly,
Kelly